EMG P5 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Ivory
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG1213
Description
EMG P5 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Ivory
The EMG P5 captures articulate, punchy response across the full dynamic range of a 5-string bass. Its split-coil ceramic design cuts through dense mixes with focused midrange presence while maintaining clarity from the lowest fundamental to aggressive thumb attacks. This is a workhorse pickup engineered for recording and mixing scenarios where definition and output consistency drive the final take.
Tone & Output Performance
The P5 generates 2.00V output under standard finger/thumb technique and reaches 4.50V under aggressive thump playing, delivering serious headroom at your audio interface and throughout your signal chain. A 3.20 kHz resonant frequency peaks the midrange where bass occupies its critical mixing window, while the ceramic magnet design provides the tight, modern attack essential for tracking and overdub work.
Electronics & Reliability
The onboard preamp draws just 80 microamps at 9V, yielding exceptional 3000-hour battery life per charge for extended session work. Signal noise floors at -106 dB (60 Hz) preserve recording fidelity and clean layering in post-production, and the 10 Kohm output impedance integrates smoothly with any interface or preamp input. The pickup supports up to 27V DC maximum supply for extended headroom if you run dual batteries during critical tracking dates.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet, split-coil configuration for focused midrange and articulation
- Output voltage: 2.00V (finger/thumb) / 4.50V (thump)
- Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
- Output impedance: 10 Kohm
- Output noise: -106 dB @ 60 Hz
- Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours per 9V cell
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Dimensions: 2.25" length × 1.10" width (57.2mm × 27.9mm)
- Includes 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, and adjustment screws
- EMG Quik-Connect® solderless cable system for fast installation and removal
- Ivory finish
The EMG P5 combines straightforward active circuitry with robust output and longevity, making it a reliable choice for 5-string bass sessions where consistency, cut, and dependable performance matter.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG P5 is an active 5-string bass pickup engineered to record with articulate, punchy character and focused midrange that sits well in dense mixes without sacrificing low-end clarity. Its high and consistent output (2.00–4.50V depending on technique) gives you headroom at your interface or preamp, while the ceramic split-coil design provides the tight attack and definition needed for funk, progressive, and heavy genres on tape or DAW. Install it for straightforward, low-noise recording performance that captures both finger finesse and aggressive thump.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Funk, Djent, Progressive |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, punchy, focused midrange, tight attack, high output |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the P5 best suited for?
The P5 excels in funk, djent, and progressive music where articulation and midrange cut are priorities. It's not optimized for jazz or folk applications, where smoother, rounder tones are typically preferred.
How long will a 9V battery last with this pickup?
The P5 draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge—roughly 4+ months of regular use.
What output voltage can I expect, and will it work with my amp or interface?
Standard finger and thumb playing produces 2.00V output, while aggressive thump technique reaches 4.50V, giving you serious headroom into any amp or audio interface. The 10 Kohm output impedance integrates smoothly with standard gear.
What's included in the box, and how difficult is installation?
The package includes the pickup, 25K volume and tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, adjustment screws, and EMG's Quik-Connect solderless cable system for fast setup and removal without soldering.
How does the P5 compare to other 5-string active pickups?
The P5 focuses on punchy midrange presence and tight attack via its ceramic split-coil design, contrasting with rounder options like the Bartolini BA5CBC-H or the more neutral Seymour Duncan SPB-3; it's purpose-built for modern, defined tones in dense mixes.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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